Dog - Allergy

Question
Hi Patti:

We have a 1 1/2 yr old Coton De Tular that, according to the vet has an allery.  He chews/licks his feet to the point where the hair is off. I strongly suspect it is the grass. Didn't do this last winter when grass was dead. He does this after going outside (he stays inside a kennel indoors)to do his business.  He ocassionally sneezes and rubs his nose.

We have tried spraying his feet with 50:50 apple cider vinegar, given him benodryl and spraying his feet with apple bitters---all to no avail.  Any suggestions for a tropical treatment to keep him from this?

Thanks
Steve

Answer

Hi Steve,

After your dog has been on the lawn, wipe his feet off with a moist baby-wipe towelette. If your dog will tolerate it, you can also try having him wear doggie booties.

The problem might not be grass though, it's entirely possible that pollen is the allergen, in which case it's more of an inhalant (airborne) allergy rather than a contact allergy. If wiping your dog's feet doesn't help, chances are good that it's an inhalant allergy.

Your best best for itching relief is with medication. Regular strength Benedryl can be given to dogs, a commonly given dose is 1 mg per pound, up to twice a day if it's needed. Drowsiness is a side effect of Benedryl. Talk to your vet about the correct dosage for your dog. There are prescription antihistamines, such as Atarax that work better in some cases. When itching is at it's worst, a prescription corticosteroid medication, such as prednisone can make an extremely itchy dog comfortable.

Along with an over the counter antihistamine, some dogs with allergies are helped by an Omega 3 and Fatty Acid supplement. Like other "nutraceuticals", an Omega 3 Fatty Acid supplement would have to be given daily for at least 6-8 weeks before results may be seen. Brands to look for are DermCaps, EFA-Z and Omega EFA capsules.

In addition to wiping your dog's feet and oral medications, you can apply Witch Hazel, or 100% pure Aloe Vera gel directly to your dog's itchy areas the itch to help cool and soothe skin irritations. Neither will hurt your dog if it's licked off.

Another thing to try for itch relief is to tr fill a bath with two inches of cool water and Epsom salts (about a quarter-cup per 1 quart of water). Let the dog stand in the water and soak his feet for a minimum of ten minutes. It's important to dry your dog's feet, use a blow drier for this (rubbing them dry will aggravate the itch). Alternatively, you could also soak your dog's feet in a Baking Soda solution - 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart cool water.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti